Paper-based packaging firm Smurfit Kappa has cut its relative CO2 emissions by almost a third, according to the company’s annual Sustainable Development Report (SDR).
Smurfit Kappa reported a 32.9% reduction in fossil CO2 emission intensity between 2005 and 2019. The news marks progress towards the firm’s target of a 40% reduction in relative CO2 emissions by 2030, in comparison to the 2005 baseline.
According to the new SDR, the company has reduced emissions through focusing on areas such as energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of fuel such as biomass.
Other areas of progress outlined in the report include achieving a 92.1% rate of packaging solutions sold as chain of custody-certified – a Forest Stewardship Council assurance of the sustainable origin of the raw material used.
Improvements in the quality of the firm’s discharged water have also been made, with a 35% reduction of relative chemical oxygen demand.
“Today’s report gives an insight into how sustainability continues to underpin all our business operations and outlines the progress we are making in the areas of environmental, social and governance criteria,” said group CEO Tony Smurfit.
Steven Stoffer, group VP development at Smurfit Kappa, added: “During these uncertain times we will continue to focus on our sustainability offering, not only to customers, but also on where we can make a tangible difference in the communities in which we operate.
“For Smurfit Kappa, sustainability is more than mitigating climate change and minimising environmental impact by our operations; the Sustainable Development Report also demonstrates how we are using our scale, experience and expertise to help deliver solutions to a broad range of global issues including inclusion and diversity, safety and human rights.”
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